Askasleikir the Bowl-Licker: The Sixth Yule Lad of Christmas

As December deepens and candles flicker against the long winter nights, a quiet rustle stirs beneath the bed. Could it be the wind? Or perhaps something smaller, sneakier, and far more mischievous? On December 16th, Icelandic children know to be on their guard during Christmas for this Yule Lad, for Askasleikir, the Bowl-Licker, has arrived from the mountains.

A Trickster Beneath the Bed

Askasleikir’s name comes from the Icelandic words aska (a type of covered bowl used for food) and sleikir (licker). In centuries past, Icelandic families ate from wooden bowls with lids, called askur, which were often placed on the floor or beside the bed when meals were finished. This habit proved irresistible to Askasleikir, who would sneak out from his hiding place beneath the bed and lick the remaining morsels clean.

In the simple turf homes of old Iceland, where food was scarce and every bite mattered, such a thief was more a nuisance than a threat. But as the stories grew, Askasleikir became one of the most beloved of the thirteen Yule Lads, known for his patient mischief and the comic image of his long, thin frame folding itself beneath a bed, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

From Frightening to Festive

Like his brothers, Askasleikir was once part of a much darker folklore. The Yule Lads were originally portrayed as mountain trolls, the fearsome sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, who would descend from the highlands to scare disobedient children. But over time, their stories softened, especially through the poetry of Jóhannes úr Kötlum, whose 1932 poem “The Yule Lads” reimagined them as playful, if mischievous, Christmas visitors.

In this newer telling, Askasleikir’s antics bring laughter rather than fear, a reflection of Iceland’s shifting culture, where the long, dark winters were brightened by stories full of humor, warmth, and imagination.

A Symbol of Humility and Gratitude

Though he’s remembered for licking bowls, Askasleikir carries a deeper meaning beneath his antics. His story reflects the humility and resourcefulness of Icelandic life in centuries past — when no food could be wasted and even the smallest leftovers were valued. In this sense, he reminds us to cherish what we have, to find joy in small things, and to appreciate the simple comforts of a warm meal and a safe home.

His hiding place beneath the bed, too, symbolizes something gentle: that even in the shadows and quiet corners of our lives, blessings, and laughter, can be found.

Askasleikir in Modern Iceland

Today, Askasleikir remains a favorite among Iceland’s Yule Lads. Each December 16th, children leave a shoe by the window, hoping he’ll fill it with a small treat, unless, of course, they’ve been naughty, in which case a raw potato might appear instead!

Across Iceland, you’ll find his image in Christmas parades, decorations, and children’s books, often depicted as a thin, wide-eyed figure peeking from beneath furniture, wooden bowl in hand. He’s become a symbol of Icelandic humor and tradition, a blend of ancient folklore and modern holiday cheer.

Watch out, for under your bed hides Askasleikir!

A Lesson from the Bowl-Licker

Askasleikir teaches us that even the smallest acts, or the tiniest scraps, can hold joy and meaning. His tale reminds us to value simplicity, humility, and laughter, even in the darkest days of winter.

So, if you hear a creak beneath your bed this Yule season… perhaps don’t be afraid. It might just be Askasleikir, looking for a bowl to lick clean, and a smile to leave behind.